Ghana's Black Stars coach, Carlos Queiroz, has named his 24-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. In a press conference held at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 21, 2026, Queiroz emphasized the importance of focusing on the present while building towards the future. He stated that the team's immediate priority is to qualify for the AFCON, while also keeping in mind the 2030 World Cup.
The Black Stars will face a tough opening double-header in Group C qualifying, starting with an away trip to Côte d'Ivoire on September 24, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. Three days later, they will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Queiroz's squad announcement comes after recent comments from former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who believes the return of Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku will boost Ghana's chances against Côte d'Ivoire.
The squad selection has also been influenced by recent performances, including Adu-Adjei's strong showing for Rijeka, which has strengthened his case for a call-up. However, concerns have emerged over a player's fitness, with Adu Kwabena doubtful for the Black Stars due to a head injury. Ghana missed out on the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco after failing to qualify, making a strong return to the qualifying trail a significant test for Queiroz's tenure.
The two September fixtures represent the first concrete measure of whether the team can bounce back from that disappointment, while also serving as an early trial run for the coach's broader project of building towards the 2030 World Cup. Queiroz, 73, took charge of the Black Stars earlier this year and is now facing his first major qualifying assignment since his contract was renewed.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the continent's premier men's football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football. Nations compete in qualifying groups, with the top finishers earning a place at the finals. Ghana sits in Group C alongside Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, and a strong performance in the qualifiers will be crucial for the team's chances of success.
After facing Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, the Black Stars will round off the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4, 2026. This match will provide an opportunity for Queiroz to assess his team's progress and make further adjustments ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The upcoming fixtures will be a crucial test for Queiroz's leadership and the team's ability to bounce back from recent disappointments. With a focus on both the present and the future, the Black Stars will look to make a strong impression in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and set themselves up for success in the years to come.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz has named his 24-man squad for Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
- The Black Stars will face a tough opening double-header in Group C qualifying, starting with an away trip to Côte d'Ivoire on September 24, 2026.
- Ghana missed out on the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco after failing to qualify, making a strong return to the qualifying trail a significant test for Queiroz's tenure.
